Skipping the crowd-funding model, two of the Bow Valley’s budding young athletes are getting an assist from the legendary Warren Miller ski films to help pay for their upcoming seasons.
Ski cross prospect Kris Mahler and skier turned downhill mountain bike star Matt Monod are hosting two showings of Warren Miller’s ‘Chasing Shadows’ in the Bow Valley as a fundraiser to help pay for their continued development. The first show is 7 p.m. Nov. 20 at Cornerstone Theatre in Canmore, while the second is at Lux Cinema in Banff on Nov. 25. It’s the second year the duo have hosted the fundraiser, and the first year they’ve expanded into Banff.
“It worked really well last year. Kris got us started (he bumped into a film rep in a Whistler laundromat), and it turns out Warren Miller’s people were pleased and wanted Kris to do a Banff show,” Monod said.
“This helps support us for our upcoming seasons,” Mahler said. “I’m going over to race in Austria, Italy and France, and this fundraiser will help pay for the costs associated with trips over the pond.”
Warren Miller Ski Films have long signaled the beginning of the ski season, which is a good fit for Monod and Mahler. The event was a near sellout last year, with a silent auction and dance following the movie.
Mahler has been named to Canada’s ski cross development team, and has been guaranteed five world cup starts this year. Monod, meanwhile, wants to chase Canada Cup trophies on the enduro and downhill mountain bike scenes, with a goal of top performance at Canadian Nationals. He’ll also screen his season edit at the Canmore premiere.
“This will help next year’s race season, and pump money into the mentorship program this season,” said Monod, who also runs mountain bike camps to support young riders. “I want to be consistent in the top 10 in the enduro and downhill season, and definitely in the top 10 at nationals to gain some UCI points.”
He said he needs to improve his strength in order to improve and reach the next level.
“The world cup spots were a bit of a surprise to me. I was skiing well in Switzerland and they asked me to come up. In that sense. I’ve overshot my goals. I’m going into something new. I will just go there to race and go for it completely.” Mahler said.
The duo said they wanted to give back to the community and are pumped to bring the films to Canmore and Banff.
“We like it because we’re not just asking for money. We can put on an event for the community and gain something for it. A lot of people just want to see a Warren Miller film,” Monod said. “We’re low key. We signed up for this and know it’s expensive.”
“Banff and Canmore are really supportive of athletes. It’s awesome to see. Last year I was surprised at the support and families who showed up,” Mahler said.
Tickets are $15 in advance, $20 at the door, and can be purchased at numerous venues in town, such as Unlimited in Canmore, Helly Hansen in Banff and at the event.
